One hundred and ten years ago, International Women’s Day was established. We mark this occasion on March 8.
As much as I can envision a time when such a day might be redundant, that vision remains, regrettably, in the future. And so, with enthusiasm I write to invite all readers to join me on March 8 to commemorate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide.
The Women’s March in Kennebunk, held Jan. 21, 2017, in solidarity with the Women’s March in Washington, D.C. Community members rallied for equality, protection of families, health, and freedom from violence. Dan King photo
In addition to celebration, March 8 is a day to embolden ourselves to meet our ongoing challenges and to engage in the continued fight for progress, full equity, and permanent change. Despite considerable accomplishments, women still occupy fewer seats in board rooms; fewer seats in national, state, and local government offices; and fewer seats in places of substantial power – women are not the CEOs of major media outlets, publishing houses, or banks.
It continues to be true that much of women’s health care remains largely under the control of men. And, women’s opportunities for education across the globe remain inferior.
A widespread and significant pay gap remains the norm. Since 2015, the pay gap has only decreased by $0.07; in 2020, women earned $0.81 for every dollar a man makes. A brutal example of the wage disparity was reported by the Economic Policy Institute: In 2016, Latina women had to work all of 2016 and 10 months into 2017 (November) to earn the equivalent that their white, male counterparts earned in 2016 alone.
Domestic violence against women remains a significant issue here in Maine, and worldwide.
The Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence reports that 82 percent of committed domestic violence is against women.
In 2018, the Maine Department of Public Safety reported: A Maine domestic violence assault is reported to law enforcement every two hours and 22 minutes. And finally, as reported by the 2019 Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey, 17.9 percent of Maine middle schoolers report that violence in their home, or the threat of violence, has caused them to have to leave home, even if only temporarily; and 8.6 percent of high schoolers who had a dating relationship in the preceding year report that someone they were dating or going out with physically hurt them on purpose at least once.
Already, in 2021, five transgender women have been murdered in the United States of America because they were transgender.
The theme of 2021 International Women’s Day is: #ChooseToChallenge. It is a call to action that can be meaningful for each and every one of us. Each of us is responsible for how we speak and what we do; we are equally accountable for what we turn away from, what we don’t say, and what we don’t do.
In the true spirit of International Women’s Day, I am accepting the International Women’s Day challenge and I invite you to accept it, too. We can all help create an inclusive world. We go farther when we go together. Do your part to help ensure that the future for girls is bright, equal, safe, and rewarding.
Marie Louise St. Onge is a Kennebunk resident. She can be reached at marielouisestonge@gmail.com.
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